Enhancing Support Systems: Bridging the Gap Between Sexual Assault Survivors and Advocates

Additional Authors

Dr. Judy Rice, College of Nursing East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project aims to improve provision of advocacy services to persons reporting sexual assault who access rural emergency departments (ED). Quality indicators showed low percentage of referral for advocacy services to victims of sexual assault due to geographic rurality, systems, and individual barriers present. Research demonstrates that advocacy services reduce trauma burden in those who have suffered sexual assault. Therefore, improving referral to advocacy services is the first step necessary for burden reduction. Target Population and Setting: The target population consists of all adults over the age of 18 who present to the rural regional emergency departments requiring a sexual assault forensic exam. The participants in the project will be ED nurses who care for those in the target population. Processes and Methods: An intervention is designed to evaluate the standard processes for offering and referring patients to advocacy personnel by development of an evidence-based electronic toolkit informed by the International Association of Forensic Nurses. The toolkit organizes available advocacy services per region and includes a check list of quality indicators for use by the ED nurses with victims of sexual assault. The process also includes staff education. Outcomes: Outcome evaluation includes frequency of electronic toolkit use, use of quality indicators, and frequency of advocacy service referrals. Final outcome evaluation is due July 2025.

Start Time

16-4-2025 1:30 PM

End Time

16-4-2025 4:00 PM

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Category

Health

Student Type

Graduate Student - Doctoral

Faculty Mentor

Jean Hemphill

Faculty Department

Nursing

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Apr 16th, 1:30 PM Apr 16th, 4:00 PM

Enhancing Support Systems: Bridging the Gap Between Sexual Assault Survivors and Advocates

Purpose: The purpose of this project aims to improve provision of advocacy services to persons reporting sexual assault who access rural emergency departments (ED). Quality indicators showed low percentage of referral for advocacy services to victims of sexual assault due to geographic rurality, systems, and individual barriers present. Research demonstrates that advocacy services reduce trauma burden in those who have suffered sexual assault. Therefore, improving referral to advocacy services is the first step necessary for burden reduction. Target Population and Setting: The target population consists of all adults over the age of 18 who present to the rural regional emergency departments requiring a sexual assault forensic exam. The participants in the project will be ED nurses who care for those in the target population. Processes and Methods: An intervention is designed to evaluate the standard processes for offering and referring patients to advocacy personnel by development of an evidence-based electronic toolkit informed by the International Association of Forensic Nurses. The toolkit organizes available advocacy services per region and includes a check list of quality indicators for use by the ED nurses with victims of sexual assault. The process also includes staff education. Outcomes: Outcome evaluation includes frequency of electronic toolkit use, use of quality indicators, and frequency of advocacy service referrals. Final outcome evaluation is due July 2025.